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Tips for preventing driver fatigue

Man driving at night looking tired.

June 17, 2019. There are several things you can do before trips or your daily commute that will help prevent you from driving fatigued.

  1. Get enough sleep. If you consistently feel tired from not sleeping enough,Man driving at night looking tired.try changing your sleep schedule.
  2. Take a nap before a long trip. Even an hour will help.
  3. Rest safely in the middle of a long trip. Fighting fatigue doesn’t work and isn’t worth the risk of an accident. Find a safe place to pull over to take a rest.
  4. Avoid heavy or sugary foods while driving. A big, greasy meal might be satisfying at the time but will make you tired. Anything with a lot of sugar or simple carbohydrates, like sugary drinks, donuts, and cookies, will spike your blood sugar and then make it drop suddenly, giving you a sugar crash. Choose small, healthy snacks instead, like trail mix, fruits and veggies, and small amounts of protein. And don’t forget to stay hydrated!
  5. Take breaks. Pull over to stretch and walk around. This will help keep you alert and able to focus.
  6. Use caffeine in moderation. Too much caffeine will make you jittery, unable to focus and even more tired in the long run.
  7. Drive at the time of day when you have the most energy.
  8. Avoid medication that has drowsiness as a side effect.
  9. Keep the temperature low in the car because heat can make you sleepy.
  10. Alternate driving with another person on long trips if possible.
  11. Wear sunglasses and maintain good posture so your muscles and eyes don’t get fatigued.
  12. Stop frequently to get some fresh air.

Following these guidelines may help you, the drivers, and pedestrians around you stay safe.